Top 10 Tom Cruise Movie Lines

“Vanilla Sky” (2001)

The English-language adaptation of the 1997 Spanish film “Open Your Eyes,” sees Penélope Cruz reprising her role as Sofia opposite Cruise as protagonist David Aames. Mixing sci fi, psychological thriller, romance and more, the movie was considered confusing to some. However, the meaning of this line, which appears near the end while Aames envisions his former love after he attempts to take control of a lucid dream gone wrong, certainly is not. While saying their farewells, Aames reminds her of some words of wisdom that she once gave him – and they ultimately inspire him to take the leap of faith that allows him to really open his eyes.

“A Few Good Men” (1992)

You’ve got one movie legend acting opposite another, and it’s impossible to avert your eyes as this tense and dramatic courtroom scene unfolds. Seriously, you can cut the tension with a knife. Cruise’s character, Lt. Daniel Kaffee, is trying to uncover the conspiracy behind a murder of a Marine, and as it draws out, he begins to lose his patience and will to succeed. After a lengthy trial, it all culminates in one unforgettable moment in which the Lieutenant demands the truth, and Nicholson’s character shouts… well, a line which is equally, if not even more memorable.

“Rain Man” (1988)

We’ve all had arguments with our parents at one point, but in Charles’ case, it was a complete falling out. His mother died when he was young, and so his father was all he had, and unfortunately, they two just didn’t gel. After an extreme punishment pushes him to leave, Charles only returns home upon hearing that his father has passed, and soon discovers that he’s been left nothing but the car and the rose bushes. Tom’s delivery of these incredulous, sarcastic lines, are a testament to his acting abilities. He walks a fine line between drama and comedy, and armed with great dialogue, makes a lasting impression.

“The Last Samurai” (2003)

After Captain Nathan Algren is captured during a battle, he starts to earn the respect of the Samurai, and, in turn, seeks to understand them better. He soon learns that there are many virtues to Bushido; the moral code of the Samurai. This line is memorable, in particular, due to the fact that it’s said at the end of arguably one of the best scenes in the film, where Katsumoto reveals that he understands Nathan’s troubles more than Nathan could have ever anticipated. Katsumoto guides to him to a revelation, where Nathan sums up Bushido as simply and as effectively as possible.

“Magnolia” (1999)

Here we have Tom Cruise as the over-the-top and charismatic Frank T.J. Mackey, giving arguably one of his best performances. He plays a motivational speaker and pickup artist with some seriously deep-rooted family issues. You probably shouldn’t put much faith in anything Frank says - in fact, you should distance yourself from his philosophies as much as humanly possible. But with that being said, these four little words might ring true for anyone who feels cheated by life. Just… take them as motivation to be proactive in life, not become a psychotic predatory creep. Whether Frank’s words ring true or not, there’s no arguing with Cruise’s spot-on delivery!

“Risky Business” (1983)

You know that feeling when you have a trigonometry midterm tomorrow, and you’re being chased by Guido the killer pimp? Oh… well, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is watching the sweet Porsche 928 in all its glory as a fresh-faced Tom Cruise skillfully evades his pursuer. The car’s design and the sound of its engine are definitely enough to put a smile on any car enthusiast’s face, and after they’ve made their successful getaway, Joel sums up the experience with this one perfect little line that has gone down in cinematic history.

“Jerry Maguire” (1996)

Action star; check. Dramatic actor; check. Romantic? Sure, let’s check that one off too. After the hell he’d been through with his ex, and the hardships with his job at the agency, Jerry was happy to have Dorothy to lean on, professionally, personally, and (eventually) romantically. Unfortunately, as often seems to happen in Jerry’s life, their relationship deteriorates. In a bid to win the girl of his dreams back, Jerry throws this heart stopper of a line at her, and not only is Dorothy enamored by the charm and sincerity of it, everyone watching is too.

“Tropic Thunder” (2008)

Remember that checklist in the previous entry? Let’s add comedic actor to it, too. Cruise’s Les Grossman character, and this scene in particular, proves just how versatile the actor can be when given free rein to have fun. He usually plays the calm and collected heroic type, so it’s refreshing to see him as a bald, overweight, and greedy studio executive. One thing’s for sure; he has a temper and isn’t afraid to get a little rowdy when someone’s on his bad side. As proven with this scene, he definitely knows the right words to inspire fear.

“Top Gun” (1986)

Top Gun, along with Risky Business, really cemented the star status of Tom Cruise, and it was largely uphill from there. Cocky and dangerous pilot Maverick is hell-bent on winning the Top Gun trophy and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Breaking rules, upstaging the other pilots and generally trying to be the best at whatever he does, it’s clear that he feels the need for speed, complete with a high-five and all. Here’s hoping that the 2019 sequel can deliver its fair of iconic and quotable lines.

“Jerry Maguire” (1996)

This film portrays struggle, conflict, and desire magnificently. After having an epiphany about his life and the dishonesty in his job, sports agent Jerry Maguire publishes a memo expressing his thoughts, gets fired, and subsequently scrambles to take clients with him. In one highly entertaining and lengthy phone call to wide receiver Rod Tidwell, his dedication, resolve, and endurance are pushed to the limit in a desperate bid to keep Tidwell signed. Viewers laughed and cheered all the way through, and it was the start of a very special relationship between the two. But it was this line… that made the scene a truly iconic one.